The Mitchell River trail has been closed for some time due to trees down and river bank slippage. The trail is overgrown, hard to find and potentially dangerous if the ground gives way. Suggest completing walk via the surrounding management tracks. It is a similar distance and can still experience the amphitheater and river crossing. Always carry emergency and navigation equipment.
From river to gorge top, the semi-remote Mitchell River Walking Trail follows the west bank of the river downstream from Angusvale through the Den of Nargun gorge, which is lined with remnants of temperate rainforest.
Often hiked as a one-way trail, you can start at one of two locations - the Angusvale campground or the Den of the Nargun. Angusvale is a wide open area with seemingly unlimited spots for you to pitch a tent for the night. It's quite close to the river and, if you get up early enough, kangaroos can be seen in their droves.
Whilst you can't legally camp at the Den of the Nargun, there is a picnic area and car park situated here and a campsite located nearby at a spot known as Woolshed Creek. It is quite close to the river, so if you are camping here, there is ample opportunity to filter your water here.
The trail itself is rugged in parts and has several uphill and downhill sections. Whilst 18-kilometres may not seem long, it can be quite deceiving given how low the trail goes into the gullies and how high it goes to the top of the gorge.
The Mitchell River National Park protects spectacular river scenery, serene rainforest gullies, rugged landscapes and significant occurrences of some of Victoria's more unusual vegetation communities. The park covers an area of 12,200 ha and is divided by the spectacular Mitchell River, one of 18 Heritage Rivers in Victoria. This easily accessible national park is a 45 minute drive from Bairnsdale. The western side can be reached via the Dargo Road, providing memorable opportunities for day visitors and the more adventurous recreationalist.
Overnight hike
This hike can also be completed as a return hike in which case the total length is around 45km
- Hiking experience and a good level of fitness required.
- Tracks may be long, rough and very steep.
- Directional signage may be limited.
- Always carry emergency and navigation equipment.
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Mitchell River National Park is 300 kilometres from Melbourne. From the Princes Highway (A1), turn off at Lindenow Road (C602) west of Bairnsdale. Turn left into Dargo Road (C601) then right into Wallers Road at the National Park sign.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Mitchell River National Park has impressive river scenery, serene rainforest gullies, rugged landscapes and some of Victoria’s more unusual vegetation communities. From open forest to remote river gorges, the park is home to a vast array of indigenous flora and fauna, some at the furthermost extent of their range. The park is an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and boasts unspoilt natural beauty and remoteness.
0 Reviews on “Mitchell River Walking Trail (25.1km)”
Hey Daniel, do you know if there are any campsites between Angusvale and Billy Goat Bend? My Rooftops map says there is but I can’t find any info online. Thanks.
How far in kilometres is the section of the walk between Billy Goat Bend campsite to the Den of Nargun carpark? Ive walked from Billy Goat Bend to Angusvale, is the terrain similar to Den of Nargun from Billy Goat?
If you are planning on doing this walk, don’t be fooled by the map on the Parks Victoria map. There is no Woolshed Creek Camping Area. It is nothing but hard rock and unsuitable for camping.
My group and I did manage to find a grassy spot near the Den of the Nargun picnic area that was far more appropriate.
Just a little heads up for anyone who is planning on doing this trek.
Thank you for the tip. This is great advice
You’re welcome. Overall the hike is fantastic. 18kms might not seem much, but the trail has many steep ascents and descents, which makes it particularly challenging.
If you go on a day when you have good weather, the view from the lookout at Billy Goats Bend is fantastic.
Wow. That does sound like a memorable experience.
We just hiked from Den of Nargun car park to Billy goats bend, camped one night and returned to the Den the nexy day with a 4.5 year old who was carried a little and a six year old who hiked the whole way with out being carried. was tough going carrying a 17kg pack(some times with a child onboard as well, but what a great walk and some beautiful country.
So did this hike over the weekend (10-11 Feb 2017). There’s a rainwater tank at the campsite, which seemed to still have plenty of nice clean water
Along the hike – any creeks flowing into the main river were pretty much dry though
The Parks map indicates the track exists below Den of Nargun and the Wier but from the southern entrance to the park the path is basically non existent very quickly. There is some remains of a track and orange taped trees but soon peters out.
There are, but they are smaller and don’t have toilets. Basically just a flat spot and a campfire. Billy Goat Bend however is quite a nice camp
There is no phone reception at Angusvale camp ground but there is minimal at Billy Goat Bend Campsite.